Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: Movies

  • ‘Avengers: Endgame’ Directors Decline Comment on ‘Avengers 5’ Rumors

    ‘Avengers: Endgame’ Directors Decline Comment on ‘Avengers 5’ Rumors

    Joe and Anthony Russo have made quite the mark in the industry, as not only did they direct some of the most successful films for Marvel Studios, but they went on to found their own production company AGBO to support smaller productions. Everything Everywhere All at Once was also thanks to their support and made quite the splash in the industry. Yet, there have been rumors that they may be returning to Marvel Studios for a fifth e entry.

    In a new piece by Den of Geek, they got a chance to sit down with the directors who shared their thoughts on the treatment of Scarlet Johanssen, where Disney left quite a sour taste with many of its talent moving forward due to the sudden shift towards streaming releases. They said “it was disturbing to us as artists” and are happy that it has been resolved since. They denied to comment on a potential return to Marvel Studios, Joe Russo did highlight their view of where cinema is currently developing.

    I think we will start trending back towards original IP. I think it’s a great opportunity… I think that original IP will start to emerge in this market as corporations become more pedantic and factory-like with the execution of their current IP. I just think people are going to crave new ideas

    Joe Russo

    We’re definitely seeing some more unique IPs taking a stronger stand and in the best-case scenario, there will be a balance between franchise films and original IPs. The industry is learning that there’s no necessity for every film to be a massive box office breaking success, instead of focusing on smaller-scale projects taking a stronger stand in the market.

    Franchises will still be around, they’ve always been around since the 70s and we’ll likely see a continuous change with streaming dominating the market, as highlighted by Russo.

    We’re certainly concerned with the trend in the market that’s moving away from artists. There’s been a lot of value in tech companies getting involved in making content, but there’s also some downsides to that. And those downsides include tech companies like Netflix and Apple and Amazon having much deeper pockets than studios do, and they can pay more and that’s starting to scare the studios.

    Joe Russo

    While many in the industry are focused on franchises as the main cause of the current trend. Yet, streaming, YouTube, TikTok, and more have been bombarding the market with content that shifts entire viewing behaviors. Yes, superhero films have a certain dominance but we’re seeing original IPs make their stand and continue to have a stronger standing. Like any industry, competition helps develop the market but the problem is that external factors are showing their fangs.

    Source: Den of Geek

  • ‘The Flash’s New Suit Spotted at Licensing Expo

    ‘The Flash’s New Suit Spotted at Licensing Expo

    While we still have quite some time to go before The Flash hits theaters and redefines the DC Extended Universe, a new look at the updated costume has been revealed during the Las Vegas Licensing Expo. Not only do we get a good look at the Flash’s costume in all its glory, but he’s also joined by what will be Sasha Calle‘s Supergirl suit. You can see the shared images below:

    Sadly, it doesn’t look like they also have Michael Keaton‘s updated Batman suit at the Expo, but it seems they are focusing on these two pieces. It does look like they have The Batman‘s iconic cycle in the background. Still, it’s great to get a closer look at the design that moves away from the armored design we see in the Justice League films. It seems more closely inspired by the iconic comic designs, which were more of a skintight outfit.

    It’s crazy to think that we’ve originally seen this design in concept art almost two years ago, but still have to wait one more year to finally see it on screen. The pushback on the multiversal storyline also creates an issue with other releases, as some that take place in whatever new universe is set up by this film also may not release for some time, such as Batgirl which will feature Michael Keaton‘s Batman. There’s no official word for what the future of the DCEU will look like. So, we’ll have to wait for an update.

    Source: Twitter

  • ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ on its Way to Become Tom Cruise’s Biggest Worldwide Opening Ever

    ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ on its Way to Become Tom Cruise’s Biggest Worldwide Opening Ever

    Tom Cruise has always been a box office draw, and it looks like that isn’t going to change anytime soon. According to early estimates, Top Gun: Maverick is on its way to a weekend opening of $92M to beyond $100M stateside. It also would add up to another $80M internationally, which would put its opening weekend at $180M worldwide.

    The film is being described as a “five-quad” movie that is expected to become an aggressively overperforming title, especially as older men are open to checking the film out. Paramount has taken a smart strategy by promoting the film over the course of the last month, especially when it was previewed at CinemaCon to get exhibitors excited for what’s to come. It also left a splash at the Cannes Film Festival, where Cruise received a surprise Palme D’or.

    The film will also receive the widest release in the United States since The Lion King in 2019. China and Russia aren’t in the mix, which puts its development towards beating the actor’s previous biggest worldwide opening with The Mummy at $172.3M. It’s also considered an award season contender, which echoes similarly how Dune was a “blockbuster release that isn’t quite a blockbuster” in the eyes of the Academy.

    It’s great for Tom Cruise‘s career and most likely will help boost the way they tackle his upcoming Mission: Impossible films in the promotion as well. Cruise has made a career out of single-handily pushing his films in a way that others can’t due to his position which is quite admirable but also highlights the exception rather than the rule. Having his biggest opening weekend with a legacy title like this does bode well for other films to enter the market in a big way.

    Source: Deadline

  • ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ To Have the Widest Release in North America of All Time

    ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ To Have the Widest Release in North America of All Time

    There’s been a lot of discussion regarding the current trends of Hollywood blockbusters dominating cinemas. Yet, it looks like another big release is going to be present across the entire United States with Top Gun: Maverick set to become the all-time widest opening in the United States. It’s now set to release in 4,732 theaters, which beast 2019’s Lion King held the record at 4,725. To put it into comparison, this year’s biggest releases so far included Doctor Strange in the Mutliverse of Madness at 4,534 and The Batman at 4,417.

    A wide release highlights the expectations set by Skydance Media and Paramount Pictures in what the film has to offer. The hype has been great, especially with its overwhelmingly positive reviews. Of course, it’s been a while since the first Top Gun found its way into theaters back in 1986, but Tom Cruise has always been quite the box office draw, the Mission: Impossible franchise is certainly a testament to that.

    Current predictions do see the film releasing between $98M to $125M, which has been growing steadily as we near its release later this week. For now, there’s a chance it might go beyond those expectations especially as they widen its release in the United States. There’s no word if the European and other international markets will also see an expansion.

    Source: Twitter

  • More Details Emerge on Amber Heard’s Reduced Role in ‘Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom’

    More Details Emerge on Amber Heard’s Reduced Role in ‘Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom’

    As the legal battles continue between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard, more details regarding the actress and her role as Mera have come to light. Previously, Heard stated that her screen time had been cut in Aquaman: The Lost Kingdom as a result of her legal troubles and the allegations against her. However, it seems Mera’s screen time was always going to be shorter in the sequel.

    During the latest testimony, Walter Hamada, the head of Warner Bros.’ DC unit, was called to testify regarding Heard’s statement that the allegations against her had impacted her role as Mera. Per Hamada, the accusations against Heard did not impact Heard’s casting in The Lost Kingdom. He did, however, note that the studio did take more time to pick up Heard’s option for The Lost Kingdom for another reason. Hamada stated that the studio feared Heard and leading man Jason Momoa lacked chemistry, which they’d had trouble crafting in post-production on the first film.

    “They didn’t have a lot of chemistry together,” Hamada explained. “Editorially they were able to make that relationship work in the first movie, but there was a concern that it took a lot of effort to get there.”

    Hamada also stated that Mera’s role was not cut down in The Lost Kingdom. He insists that the role has always been on the smaller side since it was first developed because it was supposed to be more of a buddy-comedy film between Momoa’s Aquaman and Patrick Wilson’s King Orm.

    As it stands, Heard’s Mera will return when Aquaman: The Lost Kingdom hits theaters on March 17th, 2023.

    Source: Variety.

  • Rita Moreno Officially Joins ‘Fast X’

    Rita Moreno Officially Joins ‘Fast X’

    Fast X has added a legendary actor to its roster.

    On Tuesday, Fast and the Furious leading man Vin Diesel took to social media to announce that Rita Moreno has joined the cast of Fast X. Moreno’s casting comes after Diesel teased the actress wanted to join the franchise ahead of the release of F9 last year. Moreno will play the role of Dom’s grandmother in the film.

    In the video, which you can see below, Diesel says he has dreamed of working with Moreno and is thrilled to see her join the cast. “It’s been my dream forever to work with Rita Moreno, and the fact that she’s here playing my grandmother makes my soul smile,” Diesel said. “I’m so blessed.”

    As Diesel pans the camera over to Moreno, the actress exclaims, “The answer is yes, I’ll do it.” She continues, “And yes, not only do it, but I’m tickled. I’m tickled to hell to do it. I’m so thrilled. It’s going to be such fun!”

    Moreno is the latest legendary actress to join the franchise after expressing interest. Helen Mirren first expressed her interest in joining the family back in 2015 before finally joining the long-running franchise for F9 as Queenie.

    Production on Fast X is currently underway. Despite a bit of a setback after Justin Lin exited the project over rumored differences with Diesel, Louis Leterrier stepped in as the director and production has since gotten back on track.

    Fast X does not yet have a release date.

    Source: Variety.

  • ‘Bob’s Burgers’ Director Explains Pandemic’s Impact On Movie

    ‘Bob’s Burgers’ Director Explains Pandemic’s Impact On Movie

    Bob’s Burgers, the incredibly popular animated sitcom that began it’s run all the way back in 2011, has yet to show any signs of slowing down. Next up on it’s long list of accomplishments will be a theatrical installment, The Bob’s Burgers Movie, set to release later this month. Franchise creator Loren Bouchard wrote and co-directed the film based on a story he devised way back in 2018, before the movie’s release was delayed multiple times by the global COVID-19 pandemic. With all that’s happened in the world since then, it seems impossible that the script for The Bob’s Burgers Movie would still be exactly the same as it was when Bouchard turned in his original draft.

    During a recent press conference promoting the project, Bouchard addressed just how much of the script was tweaked in the four years between conception and the film’s release. His answer revealed The Bob’s Burgers Movie actually never stopped changing:

    We worked on this movie until just, it feels like last week.  We were determined to take every moment they gave us and keep working on it.  So yeah, it changed.  It wasn’t like it drastically changed, it was more like any time we had, we were excited to take advantage of. Tweak jokes, change, you know, picture, fool around with thesound.  It was not just the script, just everything was in our hands until they tore it from our little fingers.

    Loren Bouchard

    One perk of animated shows such as Bob’s Burgers is a moving timeline that allows for freedom in storytelling. One might assume the story of the film would have to be altered dramatically to accommodate whatever was happening in the show, which continued to be produced throughout the pandemic. Luckily, animated worlds don’t necessarily have to play by realistic rules. The pandemic did, however, provide the creative team time to improve upon jokes and the film’s visual appeal. Bouchard’s answer is sure to make fans wonder what bits would and wouldn’t have made the cut had the film released as originally intended.

    The Bob’s Burgers Movie hits theaters on May 27th.

  • ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ Trailer Features Some MAJOR Cosmic Entities, Including the Watcher

    ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ Trailer Features Some MAJOR Cosmic Entities, Including the Watcher

    We know that Thor: Love and Thunder will see Christian Bale’s Gorr the God Butcher on a mission to end all the gods. You’d think that kind of mission would catch the attention of some pretty powerful beings, and as it turns out, a scene from the new trailer hints at the potential inclusion of some of Marvel’s major Cosmic entities

    While we can’t be sure exactly WHERE Jane Foster’s Mighty Thor is in the scene below, we sure can identify the busts in that location.

    Mistress Death, Eon and Infinity look to line the wall to the left of the shot, while Uatu the Watcher and the Living Tribunal, who has made quite a few brief appearances in the MCU as of late, line the right.

    It’ll be interesting to see if this is some sort of meeting area for the major Cosmic entities and if Jane goes there for help, or if this is some sort of elaborate trophy room for Gorr. We may well have to wait until July 8th to find out!

  • Disney Releases New Synopsis for ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’

    Disney Releases New Synopsis for ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’

    Along with a full trailer and a new poster, Disney has released an updated synopsis for Thor: Love and Thunder.

    …the God of Thunder’s latest adventure—including a trek to Olympus where Zeus (Russell Crowe) reigns supreme. The film finds Thor (Chris Hemsworth) on a journey unlike anything he’s ever faced – a search for self-discovery. But his retirement is interrupted by a galactic killer known as Gorr the God Butcher (Christian Bale), who seeks the extinction of the gods. To combat the threat, Thor enlists the help of King Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson), Korg (Taika Waititi) and ex-girlfriend Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), who – to Thor’s surprise – inexplicably wields his magical hammer, Mjolnir, as the Mighty Thor. Together, they embark upon a harrowing cosmic adventure to uncover the mystery of the God Butcher’s vengeance and stop him before it’s too late. Directed by Taika Waititi (“Thor: Ragnarok,” “Jojo Rabbit”) and produced by Kevin Feige and Brad Winderbaum, “Thor: Love and Thunder” opens in U.S. theaters July 8, 2022.

  • ‘The Bob’s Burgers Movie’ Director on Adjusting to Working on a Film

    ‘The Bob’s Burgers Movie’ Director on Adjusting to Working on a Film

    The Bob’s Burgers Movie is the next cinematic expansion of a popular TV show heading to the big screen. Of course, the series has kept its original staff from the series to bring this story to life on the biggest screen possible. Naturally, it’s not the same as producing a TV series, but it seems that the creative team behind the project always took a cinematic approach when tackling their series from the get-go during the press conference to promote the film’s release.

    The first thing we did: we always say with every episode we do, we would love to make it look like a movie. But the problem is, we do 22 episodes a year. It’s 11 hours of Bob’s Burgers. So, we’ve only got a few weeks at a time where we can focus on each episode. It wasn’t actually that big of a stretch on the movie, it’s just we had four years for an hour-and-a-half.

    Bernard Derriman

    So, it seems like they made the best of the additional time to further build up the When they approached the film, Derriman also highlighted that “it was all stuff that we’ve always wanted to do on the show, we were able to now, in the movie.” The extra time to focus on a smaller timeframe certainly gave them the freedom they were hoping for to create the kind of story that was probably been in the back of their minds for some time. So, it’s going to be exciting to see what the film has to offer and how it may twist a story with the Belcher family.